Nikola Jokić nears NBA record as Denver Nuggets trade Payton Watson

Nikola Jokić is approaching a significant NBA milestone, currently sitting at 198 career triple-doubles. He requires 11 more to tie Russell Westbrook’s all-time record of 209, and a 12th would place him alone in first place.

In roster news, the Denver Nuggets have traded Payton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Watson, a 23-year-old forward, is expected to sign a four-year, $88 million contract with Cleveland. The trade was reportedly driven by financial considerations, as retaining Watson could have cost the Nuggets approximately $238 million in taxes.

As part of the broader transaction, the Nuggets will receive an unprotected 2031 first-round pick from the Cavaliers, a 2032 second-round pick from the Sacramento Kings, and Julian Risacher from the Washington Wizards, though Risacher is expected to be waived immediately.